Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said Sunday, March 25, that the recent release of DL Remi Ayodele had nothing to do with the bounty situation with the New Orleans Saints, where he played for two seasons before landing with the Vikings last season. "This was purely based on a decision that didn't live up to billing and how he would fit into the scheme like we thought he would. Then, when he were able to (re-sign DL Letroy Guion) and (DL Fred Evans) back, we felt those guys were a better fit in what we were trying to do defensively than what Remi was for us last year," Spielman said. Ayodele also reportedly pushed back against the "tilt" technique coaches wanted him to play and ended up on the field for only 253 of 1,058 gradable snaps on defense (23.9 percent) and recorded just 22 tackles.

Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said Wednesday, March 14, that DL Letroy Guion, who re-signed Tuesday, March 13, will be used at nose tackle instead of his former spot at three-technique. He is expected to compete with DL Remi Ayodele for playing time.

Minnesota Vikings DT Remi Ayodele said he was not happy that his snaps were reduced in Week 10 but head coach Leslie Frazier said the reduction was part of the game plan. Ayodele is expected to receive more snaps in Week 11. Ayodele has seen reduced snaps during the season but did not think it would go down as much as it has.